Citizens of God’s kingdom extend a generous welcome to others. Our welcome bears witness to the reality of their membership and inclusion in God’s family. We are not the gatekeepers of Jesus’ kingdom. Inclusion doesn’t equal assimilation, total agreement, nor uniformity. Communicating welcome and inclusion affirms to each person: you are loved, you are worthy of belonging, you are an image-bearer of God.

Check out this Church Hack for practical and applicable ways to foster welcome.

Kingdom Culture congregations create spaces for genuine welcome. We begin with fun activities, like you will see below. But it doesn’t stop there. With intentionality and discernment, we hope to shepherd our neighbors from fun, hangout spaces toward belonging and discipliship.

Check out these examples of welcoming spaces:

• • • A carnival welcoming neighbors through fun and hospitality
    • A neighborhood event creating connections with local families
    • A neighborhood Game Night creating a low-barrier space for friendship to bloom
    • A community picnic with relationship-building beyond Sunday worship

River Road, Oregon, US

Pico Rivera, California, US

Steele Creek, North Carolina, US

Grove City, Ohio, US

Jesus said to [the disciples], “Come and have breakfast.” John 21:12 NIVUK

After seeing the resurrected Jesus, several disciples returned to fishing. They worked all night on the Sea of Tiberias and caught nothing. Their empty nets remind us that effort alone cannot guarantee fruitfulness; sometimes God brings us to the end of ourselves so we can recognise his provision.

At daybreak, Jesus stood on the shore. He came after their long struggle, when their strength was spent. God’s timing often differs from ours, but his provision arrives when it is needed.

Jesus told them, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some” (verse 6). They obeyed, and the result was an overflowing catch. The miracle came not through greater skill, but through trusting Jesus’s word.

When they reached shore, Jesus already had fish and bread prepared. He did not need their catch yet invited them to bring some of it. This is grace: Jesus provides what we need and still invites us to share in his work.

Then Jesus said, “Come and have breakfast” (verse 12). The risen Lord served his friends. The greatest provision was not the fish, but Jesus himself — his presence, fellowship, and care.

The disciples began with empty nets but ended with abundance and renewed recognition of Jesus. The same Lord still provides today. He calls us to trust his timing, obey his voice, and receive the fellowship he offers.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for seeing our empty nets and for providing exactly what we need. Help us trust your timing, to obey your voice, and value your presence above every blessing. Teach us to depend on you in every season of life. Amen.

By Barry Robinson, Deputy National Leader, UK & Ireland

Adapted from GCI UK & Ireland Blog